Sr. Manager, Merchandising

Sr Manager Merchandising 

Department: AWG Category Sales Center Store

Travel: Limited, less than 15%

Summary:

Responsible for assisting the Director in the development of the Category Initiatives strategies, processes and execution. The role focuses on leading the Merchandising team and working with the Director, Category Management teams, AWG Division teams, internal/external retail execution providers, sales teams, and vendor partners on successful execution of Category Initiatives, Reviews and Refreshes. Additional responsibilities for the adoption and implementation of Symphony AI Optimization tool and leading change management for the AWG Category Management teams and vendor partners.

Essential Functions:

• Support, direct, manage and develop Space Planning strategies and execution
• Support the strategy and execution of building robust category management plans that achieve the company's Space planning and Shelf Merchandising initiatives for our members.
• Provide expertise and training on Space Planning tools, new platforms, and programs.
• Work cross-functionally and effectively with AWG division leadership and Center Store Directors to support needs and ensure strategy execution.
• Assist with the strategy and execution of the Symphony AI Optimization tool. Work cross functionally with all merchandising department heads to provide strategy for continuous improvements.  
• Assist in the budgeting and P&L performance of the Shelf Merchandising and Execution programs.
• Further develop comprehensive communication tools and processes to better keep Divisions, Members, Vendors, third party Space Management and Retail Execution providers, and AWG team members. 

Qualifications:

Any combination of education, training, and experience providing the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Knowledge/Skills:

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the retail grocery industry
• Marketing/Sales/Merchandising Background 
• Merchandising and Marketing experience
• Planning experience as it pertains to item mix, pricing, frequency, etc.
• Category Management Experience
• Strong Business Acumen
• Space planning software experience
• Managing and developing people

Abilities:

• Exceptional communication skills - communicate with all levels at AWG including Divisions and executive leadership team
• Strong leadership skills.
• Strong technical aptitude with comfort in software navigation.
• Effective relationship-building skills to create and grow professional relationships with AWG Divisions, AWG Category Management teams, and the AWG Leadership team
• Highly adaptable and able to manage various tasks while meeting multiple deadlines. 
• Ability to develop a budget and Category Execution plans 
• Proficient with PowerPoint, Excel, and Word

Experience, Education, and Training:

• Bachelor’s Degree Preferred or comparable work experience required, minimum 7 years in the Grocery/Retail Industry

Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and more than 3,400 locations throughout 33 states from 9 wholesale divisions. Consolidated sales for AWG in 2024 exceeded $12.0 billion. In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide certain real estate and supermarket development services, and pharmaceutical products. For more information, visit <